Wyoming Voter Guide

Try this short quiz to see which candidates and ballot measures you side with in the 2016 Wyoming election.

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Where do you side on social issues?

What is your stance on abortion? Learn more?

Abortion is a medical procedure resulting in the termination of a human pregnancy and death of a fetus. Abortion was banned in 30 states until the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. The ruling made abortion legal in all 50 states but gave them regulatory powers over when abortions could be performed during a pregnancy. Currently, all states must allow abortions early in pregnancies but may ban them in later trimesters. See public opinion

Pro-choice

Pro-life

Pro-choice, but ban after the first three months

Pro-choice, I don’t agree but the government has no right to ban it

Pro-choice, but providing birth control, sex education, and more social services will help reduce the number of abortions

Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child

Pro-life, and I also oppose abortion for victims of rape and incest

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage? Learn more?

On June 26, 2015 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the denial of marriage licenses violated the Due Process and the Equal Protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The ruling made same sex marriage legal in all 50 U.S. States. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, allow civil unions but don’t call it marriage

No, marriage should be defined as between a man and woman

Take the government out of marriage and instead make it a religious decision

Yes, but allow churches the right to refuse same-sex ceremonies

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood? Learn more?

Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive health services in the United States and internationally. In 2014, federal and state governments provided the organization with $528 million in funding (40% of its annual budget). The majority of this funding comes from Medicaid which subsidizes reproductive healthcare for low-income women. In 2014, abortions accounted for 3% of the services they provided. The majority of the other services include screening for and treating sexually transmitted diseases and infections and providing contraception. Proponents of funding argue that federal funding for Planned Parenthood does not pay for abortions and that the vast majority of government funding that the organization receives is through Medicaid reimbursements. Opponents of funding argue that the government should not fund any organizations that provide abortions. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, as long as funding is not used for abortion procedures

Yes, their services reach far beyond abortions and can save many lives through cancer screening, prenatal services, and adoption referrals

No, and the government should not give funds to any organizations that perform abortions

No, and the government should not give funds to any organizations

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? Learn more?

LGBT adoption is the adoption of children by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. This may be in the form of a joint adoption by a same-sex couple, adoption by one partner of a same-sex couple of the other's biological child (step-child adoption) and adoption by a single LGBT person. Joint adoption by same-sex couples is legal in 25 countries. Opponents of LGBT adoption question whether same-sex couples have the ability to be adequate parents while other opponents question whether natural law implies that children of adoption possess a natural right to be raised by heterosexual parents. Since constitutions and statutes usually fail to address the adoption rights of LGBT persons, judicial decisions often determine whether they can serve as parents either individually or as couples. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and gay couples should not be able to adopt children

No, and I believe a mother and father family structure is best for the child

No, adoption agencies should prioritize offering children to straight couples before offering to gay couples

Yes, as long as they pass the same background checks as straight couples

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should a business be able to deny service to a customer if the request conflicts with the owner’s religious beliefs? Learn more?

In 1993 the federal government passed the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law was intended to protect Native Americans in danger of losing their jobs because of religious ceremonies that involved the illegal drug peyote. Since then 20 states have passed their own versions of the “religious freedom” laws and 12 more have introduced the legislation this year. Supporters of the law argue that the government shouldn't force religious businesses and churches to serve customers who participate in lifestyles contrary to their owners’ beliefs. Proponents of the law argue that the political context has changed since 1992 and states are now passing their own versions of the law with the intent of discriminating against gay and lesbian couples. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for small businesses

Yes, any business should be able to deny service for any reason

Yes, but the owner must post a sign stating their beliefs and what they refuse

On August 1st, 2012 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) required all health insurers and employers to cover the cost of contraceptives in their health insurance plans. The provision currently exempts religious organizations and churches. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, it should be covered like any other prescription

No, the government should support abstinence programs instead

No, the government should not decide what services a private business can provide

Yes, except for religious organizations and charities that oppose the use of contraception

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should “gender identity” be added to anti-discrimination laws? Learn more?

Gender identity is defined as a personal conception of oneself as male, female, both, or neither. In 2014, President Obama signed an executive order barring discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity among federal contractors. The order covered employers who perform federal work and protected an estimated 20 percent of American workers. Opponents included religious groups, who argued that the order would prevent them from receiving federal money or contracts if they could not meet the new guidelines because of their beliefs. Proponents argue that the order was necessary to protect millions of LGBT people whose rights were threatened after the Supreme Court ruled in the Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores case. In that ruling, the court said that family-run corporations with religious objections could be exempted from providing employees with insurance coverage for contraception. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and repeal anti-discrimination laws for private companies

No, there are only two genders which are genetically not psychologically determined

Yes, and the government should do more to protect minorities from discrimination

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should marital rape be classified and punished as severely as non-marital rape? Learn more?

Marital rape is nonconsensual sex in which the perpetrator is the victim's spouse. Marital rape was not criminalized by many countries until the mid-nineteenth century. In 1993 the U.N. designated marital rape as a human rights violation. Marital rape is illegal in Australia, Canada, Ireland, England, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil. Marital rape is not a criminal offence in China and India. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, it should be classified as domestic violence

No, marriage provides legal subordination for a spouse to have sex with the other spouse

Yes, and consentual sex with a spouse under the age of 18 should be classified as statutory rape

In some progressive universities, professors provide “trigger warnings” to students before discussing sensitive topics, emotionally charged issues, or events that may trigger post-traumatic stress. “Safe spaces” are places where students can gather to avoid a speaker or event that offends them. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, provide trigger warnings but students do not need safe spaces

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government support a separation of church and state by removing references to God on money, federal buildings, and national monuments? Learn more?

In 1956, Congress passed a resolution declaring “IN GOD WE TRUST” as the national motto of the United States. President Eisenhower signed the law and the motto was added to paper money beginning in 1957. Opponents argue that the motto violates the U.S. Constitution since it is a clear violation of the separation of church and state. Proponents argue that it does not prefer one religious denomination over another. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, as long as it does not reference a specific religion

No, religion is an important aspect of our country’s history

Yes, it creates a bias against religions that do not believe in God

Yes, but do not waste money removing existing references

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How important is this to you?

Do you support the death penalty? Learn more?

The death penalty or capital punishment is the punishment by death for a crime. Currently 58 countries worldwide allow the death penalty (including the U.S.) while 97 countries have outlawed it. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, too many people are innocently convicted

No, spending life in prison is a harsher sentence

Yes, but only for horrific crimes with undeniable evidence

Yes, but the victim’s family should decide the punishment

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How important is this to you?

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? Learn more?

Euthanasia, the practice of ending a life prematurely in order to end pain and suffering, is currently considered a criminal offense. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but they should be allowed to refuse artificial life support

Yes, but only after a psychological examination to show they fully understand this choice

Yes, but only if there is no chance they will survive their illness

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? Learn more?

In December 2015, the Pentagon announced that all combat roles would be opened to women. The roles include driving tanks, firing mortars, and leading infantry soldiers into combat. Women would also be able to serve as Army Rangers and Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps Infantry and Air Force parajumpers. Proponents of women in combat argue that women have been serving in Afghanistan and Iraq for 15 years and preventing them from combat operations is discriminatory. Opponents argue that allowing women to serve in these roles would limit the military's ability to fight in combat situations. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, women are not as physically capable as men for combat

No, combat roles place women in a high risk situation for sexual assault

No, men are more likely to risk the success of a mission in order to protect a women from danger

Yes, preventing women from serving in combat roles is discriminatory

Yes, as long as they can pass the same physical tests as men

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? Learn more?

In the United States, women hold 19.2 percent of board seats of companies listed in the Standard and Poors directory. In Norway 35% of companies have women on their board seats and just 3% of Japanese companies do. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for large international corporations

Yes, and the government should do more to require diversity in the workplace

No, the government should never require the diversity of private businesses

No, board members should be the most qualified regardless of gender

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should states be allowed to display the Confederate flag on government property? Learn more?

In 1961, the South Carolina State Government passed a law mandating that the confederate flag be flown on the ground of its state capitol building. The law was passed to commemorate the centennial of the Civil War assault on Fort Sumter. Opponents argue that the flag is a political symbol that represents racial inequality and should be removed after the shooting deaths of nine African American church members in June 2015. Proponents argue that the flag is an important historical symbol that commemorates the state’s role in the Civil War. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, it is a symbol of racism

No, and ban any public display of the flag

Yes, it is a historical symbol of the Southern fight for states’ rights

Yes, each state should have the right to display any flag they choose

Yes, but only at historical monuments where it was originally flown

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? Learn more?

Several Western countries including France, Spain and Canada have proposed laws which would ban Muslim women from wearing a Niqab in public spaces. A niqab is a cloth that covers the face and is worn by some Muslim women in public areas. The U.S. currently does not have any laws banning burqas. Proponents argue that the ban infringes on individual rights and prevents people from expressing their religious beliefs. Opponents argue that face-coverings prevent the clear identification of a person, which is both a security risk, and a social hindrance within a society which relies on facial recognition and expression in communication. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, we should respect all cultural traditions

Yes, but their identity must be privately verified by a female staff member

Where do you side on environmental issues?

Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change? Learn more?

Global warming, or climate change, is an increase in the earth's atmospheric temperature since the late nineteenth century. In politics the debate over global warming is centered on whether this increase in temperature is due to greenhouse gas emissions or is the result of a natural pattern in the earth's temperature. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, tax carbon emissions instead

No, and global warming is a natural occurrence

No, provide more incentives for alternative energy production instead

Yes, and provide more incentives for alternative energy production

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government stop construction of the Dakota Access pipeline? Learn more?

The Dakota Access pipeline is a 1,172 mile oil pipeline that stretches through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and southern Illinois. The pipeline would allow oil companies to transport crude oil from North Dakota to oil refineries along the Eastern Seaboard. The pipeline’s construction was permitted by the participating state governments under eminent domain. Opponents of the pipeline (including several Native American tribes, including the Meskwaki and Sioux tribal nations) argue that the pipeline has the potential to pollute their water supply and destroy Native American burial sites. Proponents argue that the pipeline is necessary for the U.S. to achieve energy independence. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but reroute the pipeline away from Native American land

No, but drastically increase the amount of fines the company must pay in the event of an accident

Yes, and the government should never be allowed to acquire land by eminent domain

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? Learn more?

Fracking is the process of extracting oil or natural gas from shale rock. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure which fractures the rock and allows the oil or gas to flow out to a well. While fracking has significantly boosted oil production, there are environmental concerns that the process is contaminating groundwater. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but increase oversight

Yes, but not in heavily populated areas

No, more research is needed to measure the long term effects of fracking

No, we should pursue more sustainable energy resources instead

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government give tax credits and subsidies to the wind power industry? Learn more?

As of July 2013, nearly 4% of all electricity generated in the U.S. is produced by wind turbines. By installing wind turbines on their properties farmers can earn up to tens of thousands of dollars per year in tax credits. Since 2008 these tax credits have amounted to more than $14 Billion. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, end all tax credits and subsidies to the energy industry

No, and the government should never support unproven technologies

No, wind power is an inferior alternative to oil, coal, and nuclear power

Yes, the government should support more sustainable energy technologies

Yes, wind power is the best alternative to coal and natural gas

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. expand offshore oil drilling? Learn more?

In 1990 President George H.W. Bush passed an executive order banning all offshore drilling in U.S. coastal waters. In response to rising gas prices in 2008 President George W. Bush lifted the ban. Currently, there are 3,500 offshore oil rigs, 79 of which are deep water wells. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, end all offshore oil drilling

No, and nationalize the energy sector

No, but maintain our current offshore oil wells

No, and provide more incentives for alternative energy production

Yes, and deregulate the energy sector to let the free market determine the best energy sources

Where do you side on economic issues?

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? Learn more?

The federal minimum wage is the lowest wage at which employers may pay their employees. Since July 24, 2009 the U.S. federal minimum wage has been set at $7.25 per hour. In 2014 President Obama proposed raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 and tying it to an inflation index. The federal minimum wage applies to all federal employees including those who work on military bases, national parks and veterans working in nursing homes. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and make it a living wage

Yes, and adjust it every year according to inflation

No, most minimum wage jobs are meant to develop experience, not support a family

No, this will only cause prices to increase in a never ending cycle

No, and eliminate all federal wage standards

Regardless, minimum wage standards should be adjusted by age group

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? Learn more?

Proponents of deficit reduction argue that governments who do not control budget deficits and debt are at risk of losing their ability to borrow money at affordable rates. Opponents of deficit reduction argue that government spending would increase demand for goods and services and help avert a dangerous fall into deflation, a downward spiral in wages and prices that can cripple an economy for years. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and increase taxes

Yes, and eliminate federal agencies that are unconstitutional

No, cuts to public spending will negatively affect the economy

No, increase taxes on large multinational corporations instead

No, reduce military spending instead

No, increase taxes instead

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How important is this to you?

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs?

Yes

No

No, this is a waste of time and money

No, only if they have a criminal history related to drug abuse

Regardless, we should end all social welfare programs

Yes, test anyone receiving money from the government including employees and politicians

Yes, and immediately terminate benefits for anyone testing positive

Yes, but provide treatment for those testing positive

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should businesses be required to provide paid leave for full-time employees during the birth of a child or sick family member? Learn more?

Several major U.S. companies including Netflix, Chipotle and Microsoft recently began offering their employees paid sick and maternity leave. The U.S. is currently the only industrialized country that doesn’t require companies to provide sick leave to their employees. 35% of American workers do not receive any type of paid sick leave. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for maternity leave

Yes, but only for companies with 100+ employees

Yes, the lack of paid sick leave is unfair to working men and women

Yes, but the federal government should sponsor this program instead of businesses

Yes, but only for sick leave which is unexpected, instead of pregnancy which is a personal choice

No, private businesses should decide the amount of competitive incentives they offer to employees instead of a government mandate

No, too many workers take advantage of these programs

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. raise taxes on the rich? Learn more?

Australia currently has a progressive tax system whereby high income earners pay a higher percentage of tax than low income tax. A more progressive income tax system has been proposed as a tool towards reducing wealth inequality. See public opinion

Yes

No

Reform to a flax tax

Abolish the income tax, disallow all deductions and increase the sales tax

Lower the income tax rate and remove all existing tax loopholes for large corporations

No, keep the current tax structure

No, but lower taxes for the poor

Yes, and raise taxes on all income brackets

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? Learn more?

In 2014 the U.S. Senate blocked the Paycheck Fairness Act which would make it illegal for employers to pay unequal wages to men and women who perform the same work. The goals of the act were to make wages more transparent, require employers to prove that wage discrepancies are tied to legitimate business qualifications and not gender and prohibiting companies from taking retaliatory action against employees who raise concerns about gender-based wage discrimination. Opponents argue that studies which show pay gaps don’t take into account women who take jobs that are more family-friendly in terms of benefits rather than wages and that women are more likely to take breaks in employment to care for children or parents. Proponents point to studies including a 2008 census bureau report that stated that women's median annual earnings were 77.5% of men's earnings. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and the gender wage gap is a myth

No, the current requirements in the Equal Pay Act of 1963 are already sufficient

No, the government should never determine what a private business should pay employees

No, there are too many other variables such as education, experience, and tenure that determine a fair salary

Yes, and businesses should be required to publish their salary ranges for each position

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How important is this to you?

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? Learn more?

In 2011 the level of public spending on the welfare state by the British Government accounted for £113.1 billion, or 16% of government. By 2020 welfare spending will rise to 1/3rd of all spending making it the largest expense followed by housing benefit, council tax benefit, benefits to the unemployed, and benefits to people with low incomes. See public opinion

Fewer

More

No changes needed

Fewer, and ensure benefits go to those that need it most

Fewer, current benefits do not provide enough support

More, reform the system so that it supplements, rather than replaces, a working income

More, but increase benefits for the elderly and disabled

More, current benefits should be capped

More, and deny benefits to immigrants

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. raise or lower the tax rate for corporations?

Raise

Lower

Maintain the current rate

Increase for large multinational corporations but lower for small businesses

Keep current rates but eliminate deductions and loop holes

Lower, but eliminate deductions and loop holes

Remove taxes on corporations and tax shareholder dividends instead

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government require businesses to pay salaried employees, making up to $46k/year, time-and-a-half for overtime hours? Learn more?

In May 2016, the Obama Administration announced new regulations that would increase the number of American entitled to receive time-and-a-half overtime pay. Salaried workers who earn up to $46,476 per year are now entitled to earn time-and-a-half pay when they work more than 40 hours per week. The previous regulations, issued in 2004, set the threshold for overtime pay at $23,660. The Labor department estimates that 4.2 million workers will become newly eligible for overtime pay under the new regulations. Proponents argue that the rule is necessary due to inflation and note that only 7% of salaried workers currently qualify for overtime pay in 2015, down sharply from 60% in 1975. Opponents argue that the new rules will hurt employers and incentivize them to cut their employee’s hours. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and the government should do more to protect workers’ rights

No, our economy and businesses cannot afford a decrease in worker productivity right now

No, and the government is currently over-regulating private businesses

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government prevent “mega mergers” of corporations that could potentially control a large percentage of market share within its industry? Learn more?

In October 2016 AT&T announced that it intended to buy Time Warner Cable for $84.5 billion. The merger would create one of the biggest media companies in the history of the U.S. The announcement sparked criticism from Congressional Democrats and Republicans who argued that huge corporate mergers create monopolies which prevent competition. Since President Obama took office his administration has prevented several mega-mergers from taking place including Sprint and T-Mobile, AT&T and T-Mobile and Allergan and Pfizer. In 2015 $3.8 trillion dollar’s worth of mergers and acquisitions occurred which made it the largest year for corporate consolidation in the history of the U.S. Proponents of mergers argue that the government should not interfere with corporations and the free market should be allowed to run its own course. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and the government should not interfere with the free market

No, we already have sufficient anti-trust laws in place to prevent monopolies

Yes, if the merged corporation would have more than 50% of the market share

Yes, if the merged corporation would have more than 25% of the market share

Yes, and the government should break up existing mega corporations

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? Learn more?

Labor unions represent workers in many industries in the United States. Their role is to bargain over wages, benefits, working conditions for their membership. Larger unions also typically engage in lobbying activities and electioneering at the state and federal level. See public opinion

Help

Hurt

Help, but ban their ability to make political donations

Help, in theory but have recently become corrupt and should have their powers limited

Hurt, I support some private unions but am strongly against public labor unions

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? Learn more?

An economic stimulus is a monetary or fiscal policy enacted by governments with the intent of stabilizing their economies during a fiscal crisis. The policies include an increase in government spending on infrastructure, tax cuts and lowering interest rates. In response to the 2008 financial crisis Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Act included increased spending on energy, infrastructure, education, health and unemployment benefits. The Act will cost an estimated $787 billion through 2019. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but in the form of tax breaks for citizens

Yes, the government should intervene to boost a recovery

Yes, but in the form of increased spending on infrastructure

Yes, but in the form of assisting sectors most heavily hit by the recession

No, and the government should drastically reduce spending during recessions

No, recession is a natural cycle that purges excess

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government increase the tax rate on profits earned from the sale of stocks, bonds, and real estate? Learn more?

Capital gains are the profits earned from the the sale of stocks, bonds and properties. Investment managers pay a 15 to 20 percent capital gains tax on profits earned from their customers’ holdings. Supporters of the increase argue that capital gains should be taxed like any other income and should be raised to at least 31.5% (the average U.S. tax rate). Opponents of an increase argue that taxing capital gains will discourage investments in the U.S. economy and prohibit growth. See public opinion

Should the U.S. continue to participate in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)? Learn more?

The North American Free Trade Agreement is an agreement that was created to lower trade restrictions between Canada, Mexico, and the United States. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, NAFTA helps lower the prices of consumer products

No, trade between the member countries has become too imbalanced

No, but we should adopt a unilateral free trade policy

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the Federal Reserve Bank be audited by Congress? Learn more?

The Federal Reserve is the central banking system of the US government. The main goal of the bank is to manage the US government’s money supply and stabilize the nation’s banks during panics and recessions. In 2015, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) and Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015 which would require the bank’s board of governors to conduct an audit and release it to Congress. An audit would determine if the accounting records the bank makes public are true and give Congress an insight into how the bank is run. Senator Paul has been a fierce critic of the bank’s practices, calling it a "political, oligarchic force, and a key part of what looks and functions like a banking cartel." Proponents of the audit argue that the Federal Reserve bank should be audited after the role it played in the 2008 fiscal crisis when it took on trillions in debt to bail out several of the country’s largest banks. Opponents of the audit argue that the government accountability office already audits the Federal Reserve and a Congressional audit would destroy its independence. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, we deserve to know who the bank gives money to

Yes, but I would prefer to abolish it and return to the gold standard

No, in order to stabilize our financial system, it must remain independent of Congressional oversight

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. increase tariffs on imported products from China?

Yes

No

Yes, China should be punished for artificially manipulating their currency

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Do you support the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)? Learn more?

The Trans-Pacific Partnership is a trade deal that would make it easier for American companies to sell their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries. The deal will benefit American service companies who will be able to open up operations in Asian and South American countries. Opponents argue that this bill will incentivize US companies to move service and manufacturing jobs overseas. Proponents argue that it would make American companies more successful at selling their goods and services in Pacific Rim countries, leading to a stronger economy, more jobs and higher incomes for American workers. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, it will bring economic growth to all countries involved

No, there are too many hidden provisions in this specific agreement

No, this will incentivize companies to move U.S. jobs overseas

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the President offer tax breaks to individual companies to keep jobs in the U.S.? Learn more?

In March 2016, the Carrier air conditioning company announced it would move 1,400 jobs from the U.S. state of Indiana to Mexico. In November 2016 U.S. President elect Donald Trump and Carrier announced a deal which would keep 1,000 jobs in Indiana in exchange for $7 million in tax breaks. Proponents argue that the deal prevented jobs from moving overseas and will help grow the U.S. economy. Opponents argue that the deal will encourage more private companies to make threats about job losses in exchange for tax breaks. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, the government should not interfere with the free market

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the current estate tax rate be decreased? Learn more?

The estate tax is a tax that is levied on all property that is declared in a deceased person’s will. The tax is also known as the “inheritance tax” or “death tax.” In 2016, the estate tax rate is 40% and only applies to estates with a value greater than $5.45 million. In 2015 5,300 estates in the U.S. were subject to the tax and paid $18.4 billion in taxes. Proponents of the tax, including Hillary Clinton, argue that more estates should be subject to the tax and the threshold should be lowered from $5.45 million to $3.5 million. Opponents of the tax, including Donald Trump, argue that people who have paid income taxes their entire life should not be subject to another tax when they die. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, I am satisfied with the current rate

Yes, and we should eliminate the estate tax

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? Learn more?

A government pension is a fund into which a sum of money is added during the period in which a person is employed by the government. When the government employee retires they are able to receive periodic payments from the fund in order to support themselves. As the birth rate continues to fall and the life expectancy rises governments worldwide are predicting funding shortfalls for pensioners. In the U.S. federal, state and local governments are eligible to receive pensions. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, they should be reduced

No, not until we decrease our national debt

Yes, for government workers but not for politicians

Yes, but only for low-income pensioners

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the government subsidize farmers? Learn more?

A farm subsidy is a form of financial aid paid to farmers by the government. The purpose of the aid can be to supplement their income or influence the cost and supply of agricultural products. The U.S. government pays farmers more than $20 Billion a year in farm subsidies. Proponents argue that the subsides are necessary since net farm income has decline by 32% between 2014 and 2015. Opponents argue that the farmers should fend for themselves and point out that 2,300 farmers who do not grow crops receive annual subsidies. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for organic farms

Yes, but only as a temporary measure to stabilize prices

Yes, but only small local farms instead of large corporations

No, end all government subsidies and let the free market run its course

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Would you favor an increased sales tax in order to reduce property taxes? Learn more?

Most local governments in the United States impose a property tax as a principal source of revenue. This tax may be imposed on real estate or personal property. The tax is nearly always computed as the fair market value of the property times an assessment ratio times a tax rate. Values are determined by local officials, and may be disputed by property owners. A primary advantage of a property tax over a sales tax or income tax is that the revenue always equals the tax levy, unlike the other taxes, which can result in shortfalls producing budget deficits. The property tax always produces the required revenue for municipalities' tax levies. Property owners, especially seniors, believe the tax is unfair and does not represent the owner's ability to pay. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but decrease tax rates for senior citizens

No, property taxes are the most reliable and consistent form of state revenue

Yes, but dramatically reduce government spending instead of raising taxes

Yes, property taxes rates do not reflect the owners ability to pay

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should pension plans for federal, state, and local government workers be transitioned into privately managed accounts? Learn more?

The average retired federal employee receives a pension (retirement plan) of $32,824 annually. Total unfunded pension liability for all U.S. cities and counties is an estimated $574 billion. In addition to their pensions, federal employees are offered a 401(k) plus 5% matching, whereas the average private employee is offered 3 percent matching of 401(k) without pension. See public opinion

Should the U.S. government bailout Puerto Rico? Learn more?

On May 2nd 2016, the government of Puerto Rico failed to make $422 Million debt payment to the U.S. government. In response, the U.S. House of Representatives is considering providing funding for a bailout or to allow a default and impose strict austerity measures. President Obama and House Democrats argue that the U.S. should bailout Puerto Rico and a failure to do so will cause an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. House Republicans oppose a bailout and have proposed creating a federal oversight board which would have the power to manage Puerto Rico’s budget and make cuts to public spending. Puerto Rico’s second payment to the U.S. of $1 Billion is due on July 1st 2016. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but with strict austerity measures

Yes, this is necessary to prevent a humanitarian crisis

Yes, and make them the 51st state so we can help prevent this from happening again

Should U.S. citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? Learn more?

An offshore (or foreign) bank account is a bank account you have outside of your country of residence. The benefits of an offshore bank account include tax reduction, privacy, currency diversification, asset protection from lawsuits, and reducing your political risk. In April 2016, Wikileaks released 11.5 million confidential documents, known as the Panama Papers, which provided detailed information on 214,000 offshore companies serviced by the Panamanian Law Firm, Mossack Fonesca. The document exposed how world leaders and wealthy individuals hide money in secret offshore tax shelters. The release of the documents renewed proposals for laws banning the use of offshore accounts and tax havens. Proponents of the of the ban argue they should be outlawed because they have a long history of being vehicles for tax evasion, money laundering, illicit arms dealing and funding terrorism. Opponents of the ban argue that punitive regulations will make it harder for American companies to compete and will further discourage businesses from locating and investing in the United States. See public opinion

The Marketplace Fairness Act would allow state governments to collect sales taxes from online retailers who do not have a physical location in their state and have revenues of over $1 Million per year. Online retailers would be responsible for collecting the taxes and distributing them to state and local governments. Proponents of the bill include brick and mortar retailers who argue that exempting online retailers from sales taxes penalizes traditional stores who are forced to charge customers higher prices due to cover the tax. Opponents argue that since online retailers do not use local services funded by sales taxes they should be exempt and that the federal government should not get involved in state tax issues. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, exempting online retailers from sales taxes is not fair to traditional stores

No, the federal government does not have the authority to impose state and local taxes

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Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? Learn more?

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds, operating independently of a central bank. Bitcoins are stored in a digital wallet, which is like a virtual bank account that allows users to send or receive bitcoins and pay for goods or services. Bitcoin is anonymous, meaning that, while transactions are recorded in a public log, the names of buyers and sellers are never revealed. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, classify it as a commodity

No, and it has no intrinsic value

No, it provides too high of risk for criminal activity

Yes, and all countries should switch to a blockchain currency like Bitcoin

Where do you side on domestic policy issues?

Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun? Learn more?

The 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings caused several states and cities to pass strict gun control measures. In response, state lawmakers in gun friendly states in the South and West passed bills that would strengthen Stand Your Ground laws and allow weapons in most public places. In 2014, 21 states passed laws that expanded the rights of gun owners allowing them to possess firearms in churches, bars, schools and college campuses. The federal government has not passed any gun control measures since the 1994 Brady Bill and 42 states now allow the possession of assault rifles. In the U.S. two-thirds of all gun deaths are suicides and in 2010 there were 19,000 firearm suicides and 11,000 firearm homicides. See public opinion

Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use? Learn more?

In 1970, Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act which banned the manufacture, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain drugs. The act ranked drugs by their potential for abuse and placed them into five categories. Two of the most widely used drugs in the U.S., wine and alcohol, are exempt from the classifications. Ballot measures in several states including Colorado, Washington and Oregon have decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana. These laws apply only within the respective states and have no effect on Federal law. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, most but not all drugs

Yes, and retroactively reduce sentences for those already serving time

No, we should pass tougher drug laws

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Do you support affirmative action programs? Learn more?

Affirmative action is a policy that encourages the increased representation of members of a minority group. In the U.S. these policies are often enacted by employers and educational institutions in education or employment. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and drastically increase the current amount of programs

No, and minority groups should not receive any favorable treatment

Regardless, we should create more social programs to address poverty

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Should it be illegal to burn the American flag? Learn more?

In 2006, the U.S. Senate rejected a Constitutional Amendment which would have allowed Congress to pass legislation prohibiting the burning or desecration of the U.S. flag. The Flag Protection Act of 2005 was introduced by Senators Bob Bennett (R-Utah), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Mark Pryor (D-ARK) and Thomas Carper (D-Del). The Act proposed a punishment of up to one year in jail and a fine of no more than $100,000. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, this is a violation of free speech

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Should the Senate hold hearings and a vote on President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee? Learn more?

On March 16, President Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland as his choice to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court. Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced that the Senate would not hold hearings or a vote on Justice Garland. Senator McConnell stated that the next Supreme Court justice should be nominated by the next President in 2017. Senate Republicans can block the any hearings or votes on the current nominee due to their majority in the Senate. Senate Democrats argue that the Constitution specifies that the Senate should at least hold a vote on any Justices nominated by a sitting President. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, the current nominee, Justice Garland, is too liberal

No, the Senate should wait for the next President’s nominee

No, the current nominee, Justice Garland, is too conservative

Yes, the Senate should follow their Constitutional responsibility

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Should local police increase surveillance and patrol of Muslim neighborhoods? Learn more?

After the March 22nd terrorist attacks in Belgium, Republican U.S. Presidential Candidate Ted Cruz said law enforcement should be empowered to “patrol and secure Muslim neighborhoods before they become radicalized.” In defending the plan, Cruz cited former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg for his aggressive policing efforts, including the alleged targeting of Muslim neighborhoods for surveillance. Current New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYPD commissioner Bill Bratton held a press conference where they criticized Cruz’s proposal as “incendiary” and “foolish.” See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and increase surveillance on all new immigrants

Yes, until the frequency of terrorist attacks by Muslim extremists decrease

No, this decision should be based on crime rates instead of race or religion

No, targeting Muslims is unconstitutional, racist, and incendiary

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Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? Learn more?

A term limit is a law that limits the amount of time a political representative may hold an elected office. In the U.S. the office of the President is restricted to two four year terms. There are currently no term limits for Congressional terms but various states and cities have enacted term limits for their elected officials at the local level. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, term limits will increase performance and prevent corruption

No, officials gain valuable experience and become more effective representatives over time

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Should corporations and unions (Super PACs) be allowed to donate to political candidates? Learn more?

In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment prohibited the government from restricting independent political expenditures from a nonprofit corporation. The plaintiff in the case, Citizen’s United, was a conservative political action group which wanted to air a film critical of Hillary Clinton during television broadcasts. In 2010 the airing of the ad was outlawed by the McCain Feingold Act which banned radio and TV advertising by corporations and unions within 60 days of a general election or 30 days of a primary. Justice Kennedy’s majority opinion struck down these provisions and ruled that corporations, as associations of individuals, therefore have speech rights under the First Amendment. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, any restriction on campaign spending violates the first amendment

No, corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns

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Should people on the “no-fly list” be banned from purchasing guns and ammunition? Learn more?

After the December shooting in San Bernardino, CA, President Obama stated in his weekly radio address that it was “insane” to allow suspected terrorists on the country’s no-fly list to purchase guns. Shortly after, Senate Democrats introduced a measure that would have restricted anyone on the federal terrorism watch list, also known as the no-fly list, from being able to purchase firearms in the U.S. The measure did not pass after Senate Republicans voted down the measure. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and ban the sale of guns and ammunition to anyone

Yes, but not until the no-fly list screening process is improved for accuracy and includes due process

Yes, if the government considers you too dangerous to board a plane you should not be able to buy a gun

No, this is a slippery slope that will eventually ban the sale of guns to anyone

No, it is unconstitutional to deny someone’s rights without due process

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Should victims of gun violence be allowed to sue firearms dealers and manufacturers? Learn more?

In 2005, Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The law protects gun manufacturers and dealers from being held liable when crimes have been committed with their products. The law was passed in response to a series of lawsuits filed against the gun industry in the late 1990s which claimed gun-makers and sellers were not doing enough to prevent crimes committed with their products. Proponents of the law argue that lawsuits will discourage gun manufacturers from supplying stores who sell guns that end up being used in violent crimes. Opponents argue that gun manufacturers are not responsible for random acts of violence committed with their products. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, manufacturers and dealers should only be held liable for negligence

Yes, as long as the losing party pays all legal fees, it’s our constitutional right to sue anyone for any reason

Yes, any business should be held liable if the primary use of its product is for illegal activity

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Should Apple unlock the iPhones of suspected terrorists for the FBI? Learn more?

Apple recently challenged a court order which would force it to cooperate with the FBI and unlock an iPhone used by one of the two attackers who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, CA in December 2015. The Judge in the case ordered Apple to build a software key which would unlock the phone. The FBI claimed its agents had been unable to access information in the phone without the key. Opponents argue that technology companies should protect the privacy of their customers and creating a special key for law enforcement will open the door to hackers. Proponents argue that law enforcement authorities should have the ability to break encryption technologies in order to prevent and solve crimes. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, backdoors can expose innocent owners to malicious hackers

Yes, but only in situations where the owner is a proven threat to national security

Yes, but only for this specific request and do not allow future access

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Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? Learn more?

Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers should treat all data on the internet equally. Proponents of net neutrality laws argue that they balance the rights and duties of individuals, governments and corporations, while ensuring that the Internet continues to be an open and decentralized network. Opponents include internet companies who complain that the law would increase their costs and create barriers to the free flow of information. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, only if it’s strictly based on a pay-per-quality model

Yes, this would make the internet faster and more reliable for users

Yes, but only give priority by type (video over images) and not source (big website over little website)

No, this would allow them to remove competition, create artificial scarcity, and increase prices

No, treat all traffic equally and continue the openness of the internet

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Should the NSA (National Security Agency) be allowed to collect basic metadata of citizen’s phone calls such as numbers, timestamps, and call durations? Learn more?

Under a provision of the Patriot Act the NSA is allowed to collect phone metadata — the numbers, time stamps, and duration of a call, but not its actual content. Opponents include civil liberties advocates and Senator Rand Paul who argue that the collection is unconstitutional since it is done without a warrant. Supporters of the collection argue that the collection is necessary to track suspected terrorists. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and abolish the NSA

No, only with a warrant showing probable cause of criminal activity

Yes, basic data collection is necessary to track suspected terrorists

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Should the redrawing of Congressional districts be controlled by an independent, non-partisan commission? Learn more?

Currently, the redistricting of congressional boundaries is controlled by state legislature every ten years. Gerrymandering is the redrawing of districts with the intent of benefiting a political party. It is most often implemented by state political parties with the intent of marginalizing districts of voters who represent the minority party. To gain extra seats, the incumbent party will redraw voting districts so that voters of the minority party will be grouped into smaller districts with less seats. Critics of gerrymandering say these practices allow incumbent representatives to choose their voters instead of voters choosing them. Proponents say that drawing districts is a privilege of the ruling party and have little effect on the popularity of their policies or candidates. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, there is no better alternative

No, gerrymandering allows officials to more effectively represent the interests of their constituency

Yes, gerrymandering gives an unfair advantage to the party in power during redistricting

Yes, switch to a multi-member, proportionally selected redistricting system

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Do you support the Patriot Act? Learn more?

In response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Patriot Act expanded intelligence gathering capabilities including: monitoring of foreign financial transactions, detaining and deporting immigrants suspected of terrorism, wiretaps, business record searches, and surveillance of individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Learn more or See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but limit the scope of the government’s powers

No, and pass strict laws prohibiting any government surveillance

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Should the government raise the retirement age for Social Security? Learn more?

Former Florida Governor Bush recently told CBS News that the current basic retirement age of 65 needs to go to 68 or 70 as a way to sustain Social Security for those now under 40. The Social Security retirement age is based on a sliding scale which takes into account when the recipient was born and whether they want to retire early in return for a reduction in monthly benefits. The current age to begin receiving benefits is set at 65 for those born prior to 1938. Under current law, it rises gradually to age 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Proponents argue that Americans are living longer and healthier lives than they did when Social Security was founded and the program will run $7.7 trillion in the red during the next 75 years. Opponents argue that Social Security provides at least half of total retirement income for more than two-thirds of all retirees and raising the age will rob lower income seniors of necessary benefits. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but I would prefer to privatize it instead

Yes, people are now living longer than when the program was created

No, this will disadvantage low income seniors whose life expectancy is lower than wealthier seniors

No, eliminate the income cap on taxable earnings instead

No, and stop spending current funds on other programs

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Should the government be allowed to seize private property, with reasonable compensation, for public or civic use? Learn more?

Eminent domain is the power of a state or a national government to take private property for public use. It can be legislatively delegated by state governments to municipalities, government subdivisions, or even to private persons or corporations, when they are authorized to exercise the functions of public character. Opponents, including Conservatives and Libertarians in New Hampshire, oppose giving the government the power to seize property for private projects, like casinos. Proponents, including advocates of oil pipelines and national parks, argue that the construction of roads and schools would not be possible if the government could not seize land under eminent domain. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, unless it is for an oil pipeline project

No, and the government should never be allowed to seize private property

Yes, as long as landowners are fairly compensated and the projects will benefit the community

Yes, but only if landowners are compensated drastically above fair market price

Yes, but only for public projects and never for private projects

Yes, but only in extreme cases of national emergency

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Should the U.S. government grant immunity to Edward Snowden? Learn more?

Edward Snowden is a former National Security Agency contractor who turned over classified documents revealing a board global surveillance program previously unknown to anyone outside the intelligence community. After the documents were published in the Guardian Newspaper in June 2013 Snowden fled to Russia where he is currently living under asylum. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, investigate the CIA and NSA directors instead

Yes, he should be protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act

No, he should be returned to the U.S. to stand trial and face the consequences of his actions

No, but investigate the CIA and NSA directors as well

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Should the military upgrade Air Force One? Learn more?

In 2015, the U.S. Air Force announced that it had selected Boeing to build the next generation of Air Force One aircraft. Two new aircraft will be built and will enter service in 2024. The defense department estimates that the two new planes will cost U.S. taxpayers an estimated $4 billion. In December 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced that costs for the project were out of control and he would cancel the plane order once he took office. Proponents of the new planes argue that the current planes used for Air Force One will be fifty years old in 2021 and spare parts for the old planes are becoming hard to find. See public opinion

Where do you side on healthcare issues?

Do you support the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)? Learn more?

The Affordable Care Act is a federal statute signed into law in 2010 that introduces a sweeping overhaul of the nation's healthcare system. The act grants the federal government significant regulatory powers and price controls over U.S. medical service providers and insurance companies. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, government should not be involved in healthcare

No, open the markets so insurers can compete across state lines and reduce costs

Yes, and allow consumers to choose providers and import pharmaceuticals from other countries

Yes, but a mandatory single payer system would be even better

Yes, I support a majority of the plan but not all aspects

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Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? Learn more?

In September of 2016, US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton released a proposal that would create an oversight panel that would protect U.S. consumers from large price hikes on long-available, lifesaving drugs. The proposal was in response to recent steep price increases on drugs including the AIDS drug Daraprim and the EpiPen. Proponents of drug price regulation argue that drug makers raise prices to benefit the value of their stock and invest little of their profits in the development and research of new drugs. Opponents of regulation argue that consumers rely on drug companies to develop new drugs and limiting prices will prevent new lifesaving drugs from being developed. Clinton's campaign cited Turing Pharmaceuticals LLC's raising the price of its AIDS drug Daraprim (pyrimethamine) and Mylan NV’s repeated steep price increases on EpiPen for severe allergy sufferers as “troubling” examples of price hikes that have attracted bipartisan congressional scrutiny. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but shorten the lifespan of drug patents

No, and the government should never regulate prices of private businesses

No, limiting drug prices would also limit the investment in research and development into new life-saving drugs

Yes, and the government should regulate the price of all prescription drugs

Yes, and we should socialize medicine and healthcare

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Do you support the legalization of Marijuana? Learn more?

U.S. law currently bans the sale and possession of all forms of marijuana. in 2014 Colorado and Washington will become the first states to legalize and regulate marijuana contrary to federal laws. See public opinion

Yes, and legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana instead of criminalizing it

No, and increase penalties for non-violent drug offenders

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Should the federal government increase funding of health care for low income individuals (Medicaid)? Learn more?

When the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was enacted in 2010 it required all states to expand their Medicaid programs to include people with incomes slightly higher than those allowed under traditional Medicaid, as well as groups, like childless adults, that had not previously been covered. In 2012 the Supreme Court ruled that forcing States to expand their Medicaid coverage was unconstitutional. Since then 22 states have expanded their coverage and more than 35 have opted not to do so. Proponents of the expansion argue that it will lower healthcare costs for everyone by reducing the number of Americans without health insurance. Opponents argue that states should be allowed to run their own Medicaid programs without the intervention of the federal government. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and abolish Medicaid

No, and each state should decide their own level of coverage

No, and eligibility should only include the elderly and disabled

No, and the federal government should not increase funding for any social programs

Yes, but I prefer switching to a single payer healthcare system

Yes, but only increase for the elderly and disabled

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Should there be more or less privatization of veterans’ healthcare?

More

Less

More, veterans should be able to see any doctor of their choice

More, and replace the VA healthcare system with a personal health savings account

Less, we should increase funding to improve the current system instead

Where do you side on electoral issues?

Should a photo ID be required to vote? Learn more?

Since 2011, twelve states have passed laws that require a photo identification to vote. Supporters argue that ID’s are needed to increase confidence in elections and prevent voter fraud. Critics argue that voter fraud rarely exists and that ID requirements are intended to suppress turnout by economically disadvantaged voters. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, this will prevent voter fraud

No, this will disadvantage those who do not have the resources to obtain one

No, and automatically register every citizen to vote when they turn 18

No, and there is little evidence that voter fraud even exists

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Should foreign lobbyists be allowed to raise money for American elections? Learn more?

Currently, federal election law prohibits political candidates from knowingly soliciting, accepting or receiving donations from foreign nationals or entities under any circumstances. However, a loophole exists where foreign nationals or entities can hire lobbyists to meet with or donate directly to politicians to persuade them to vote favorably for the foreign interest. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, foreign interests should not be able to buy the influence of our politicians

Yes, as long as all donations are public knowledge to ensure there is no conflict of interest

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Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties?

Yes

No

Yes, but limit the amount they can donate

No, and political campaigns should be publicly funded

No, but allow donations from unions and non-profits

No, these types of donations just turn into bribes

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Should there be a limit to the amount of money a candidate can receive from a donor?

Yes

No

No, this is a violation of free speech

No, as long as all donations are public knowledge

Yes, and ban all political donations and publicly fund elections

Yes, politicians should not be bought by wealthy donors

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Should there be a 5-year ban on White House and Congressional officials from becoming lobbyists after they leave the government? Learn more?

Currently, the “Honest Leadership and Open Government Act” which was signed by President George W. Bush in 2007 bans former senators and top executive branch officials from becoming lobbyists for two years and they leave the government. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and make it a lifetime ban

Yes, and ban all forms of lobbying

No, the current two-year ban is sufficient

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Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? Learn more?

A tax return is a document which states how much income an individual or entity reported to the government. See public opinion

Yes

No

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Should the presidential debates include candidates with less than 15% of support in national polls? Learn more?

The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) is a private non-profit firm which has sponsored and produced nationally televised Presidential debates since 1987. Currently, the CPD only invites candidates to debate if they have a 15% support level across five national polls. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, only candidates that have a realistic chance of winning should be included

Yes, and we should reform the electoral process to allow more polling and ballot access for third party candidates

Where do you side on education issues?

Do you support increasing taxes for the rich in order to reduce interest rates for student loans? Learn more?

Last Spring the U.S. Senate defeated The Bank on Students Emergency Loan Refinancing Act by a vote of 58-38. The act, proposed by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) would lower the interest rate on existing student loans from 7% to 3.86%. The act would be financed by levying a mandatory income tax of 30% on everyone who earns between $1 Million and $2 Million dollars per year. Proponents argue that current student loan interest rates are nearly double normal interest rates and should be lowered to provide relief for millions of low-income borrowers. Opponents argue that the borrowers agreed to pay the interest rates when they took out the loans and taxing the rich would hurt the economy. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and transition all current government student loans into privately managed accounts

Yes, and increase government funding so every student receives a free college education

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Do you support Common Core national standards? Learn more?

The Common Core State Standards Initiative is an education initiative that details what K-12 students should know in English and Math at the end of each grade. The initiative is sponsored by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief State School Officers and seeks to establish consistent education standards across the states as well as ensure that students graduating from high school are prepared to enter two or four year college programs or enter the workforce. Learn more or See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, I support the concept but not the current implementation

Yes, national standards will help improve our national average and better prepare students for college

Yes, I support a national base standard but allow states and local districts to customize their implementation

No, education should be handled at the state and local level instead of the national level

No, it is a waste of time and effort to change my state’s current educational standards

No, my state’s current standards exceed the Common Core standards

No, teach to each student's potential instead of uniform testing

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Where do you side on foreign policy issues?

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? Learn more?

President Obama recently declared that the U.S. will accept 10,000 refugees from Syria. The U.S. has been under pressure from its Syrian allies to help out with the crisis in which 3 Million refugees have fled Syria in the past year. Those in favor of accepting refugees believe that the U.S. has a duty to join its allies in Europe and accept at least 10,000 refugees. Opponents argue that the U.S. should stay out of this crisis and accepting refugees from the Middle East leads to a risk of letting terrorists into our borders. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, we should accept 10,000 refugees

Yes, but only accept families (no single Muslim men)

Yes, but we should accept much more than the proposed 10,000 refugees

Yes, but only after extensive background checks and continuous monitoring to ensure they have no terrorist connections

No, we should eliminate any opportunity for terrorists to enter the country

No, and send all refugees back to Syria

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Should foreign terrorism suspects be given constitutional rights? Learn more?

In 2002, the George W. Bush administration issued the Torture Memos which argued for a narrow definition of torture under U.S. law. They included granting the CIA authority to use “enhanced interrogation techniques” on enemy combatants. The techniques included waterboarding subjection to extreme cold and confinement in small boxes. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, give them a fair trial and shut down Guantanamo Bay

Yes, just like U.S. citizens, terrorists should be given a fair trial in federal courts

No, they should be tried in military tribunals but not subject to torture

No, they are not U.S. citizens and do not have constitutional rights

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Should the government increase or decrease military spending? Learn more?

In 2015, the U.S.’ estimated military budget is expected to be $601 billion, down from $610 billion spent in 2014. The U.S. outspends the next six highest spending nations combined. China has the second largest budget at $216 billion and Russia has the third largest with $84.5 billion. See public opinion

Increase

Decrease

Neither, I am satisfied with the current amount of spending

Increase, but only after our deficit is drastically reduced

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Should the U.S. formally declare war on ISIS? Learn more?

Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) recently proposed declaring war against the Islamic State (ISIS). The declaration would give the President more authority to carry out broader attacks on the militant group without Congressional approval. Opponents argue that the order would give the President too much power by eliminating Congressional oversight. Proponents argue that fighting an organization like ISIS requires an unconventional war plan that requires the President to make quick decisions without Congressional oversight. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and send in ground troops

Yes, but only with targeted airstrikes

Yes, but only with full cooperation from the United Nations

No, we should not legitimize ISIS as a sovereign entity

No, we should stay out of Middle Eastern conflicts

No, not until they attack us on U.S. soil

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Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? Learn more?

Military service is not required in the U.S. Proponents of required service argue that it isn’t fair that a small percentage of Americans serve in the military to protect the rest of the population. Opponents argue that the requirement is unnecessary because modern warfare is fought less and less with ground troops and more with unmanned technology including drones. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, service should be a choice instead of an obligation

Yes, but with less focus on military training and more focus on education and skill development

Yes, but only for those who do not pursue further education or employment

Yes, but only for those who are starting to build a criminal record

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Should the military be allowed to use enhanced interrogation techniques, such as waterboarding, to gain information from suspected terrorists? Learn more?

After the September 11, 2001 terror attacks the George W. Bush administration authorized the use of “enhanced interrogation techniques” at secret detention facilities around the world run by the defense department and CIA. The authorization approved the use of many techniques including beatings, binding in stress positions, hooding, sleep deprivation and waterboarding. In 2008 President Obama signed an executive order banning the use torture by the U.S. military and CIA. In 2016 the use of torture became a topic during the Presidential race when candidate Donald Trump suggested it should be used against the Islamic State. Opponents of torture argue that the U.S. should never practice torture since it is inhumane and illegal under international law. Proponents argue that the military should not be prevented from using torture if they believe it will keep the country safe. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only as a last resort

Yes, but only if they are convicted terrorists

Yes, we must use any means necessary to prevent terrorism

Yes, allow the use of psychological but not physical tactics

No, and we should strictly follow the laws of the Geneva Convention

No, torture is inhumane, unethical, and violates the 8th amendment

No, torture is an ineffective form of interrogation

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. continue to support Israel? Learn more?

The U.S. currently gives $3.3 billion to Israel every year, which is 1/3rd of the U.S.’s foreign aid budget. Most of the aid is used by Israel to buy American military hardware, such as jets and components for missile defense. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, cut all support and aid

No, we should be less involved

No, we should not give aid to any foreign nations

Not the current administration

We should give equal support to Israel and Palestine.

Yes, but respect Israel’s sovereignty and do not dictate how it should interact with its neighbors

Yes, and increase funding in order to move our embassy to Jerusalem

Yes, and with more aid and support

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Should the U.S. remain in the United Nations? Learn more?

The UN. is an organization of governments founded in 1945 after World War II. The organization's objectives include promoting peace and security, protecting human rights and the environment and providing humanitarian aid in cases of famine, natural disaster, and armed conflict. Recent U.N. interventions include the Sri Lankan civil war in 2009 and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. The U.S. joined the U.N. as a founding member in 1945. The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the UN and contributes more than $650 million annually. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but scale back our current involvement

Yes, and use the U.N. peacekeeping forces to protect our interests

No, and remove the U.N. headquarters from the U.S.

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Should the U.S. send ground troops into Syria to fight ISIS? Learn more?

After the November 13th attacks in Paris several Presidential candidates gave new positions on how the U.S. should combat ISIS in the Syria. The U.S. is currently involved in a coalition of 19 countries that has launched 8,000 airstrikes against ISIS. None of the countries currently have ground troops in Syria. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, send a few hundred ground troops

Yes, send at least 10,000 ground troops

Yes, but only as a coordinated effort by the United Nations

No, not until they attack us on U.S. soil

No, conduct targeted airstrikes instead

No, we should stay out of this conflict

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Should the US increase or decrease foreign aid spending? Learn more?

Currently, the United States gives $31.55B, or .19% of GDP, development assistance to other countries. The top 10 recipient countries include Afghanistan, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, West Bank/Gaza, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Malawi, Uganda, and South Africa. See public opinion

Increase

Decrease

I am satisfied with the current amount of spending

Decrease, until we drastically reduce our national budget deficit

Decrease, and we should not give foreign aid to any countries

Increase, but only for countries that have no human rights violations

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Should the military fly drones over foreign countries to gain intelligence and kill suspected terrorists? Learn more?

Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles deployed by U.S. defense and intelligence agencies to collect data and strike suspected enemy targets. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only with permission from the country in question

Yes, the U.S. needs to use all means necessary to combat terrorism

No, the military has no right to do so without a Congressional declaration of war

No, only to gather intelligence, not to kill suspected terrorists

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Should the U.S. close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? Learn more?

In February 2016, President Obama sent Congress a plan to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. The U.S. took over control of Guantanamo Bay after the Spanish American war in 1903 under the Cuban-American Treaty of Relations. The treaty specifies that the U.S. controls the territory while Cuba retains sovereignty. In January 2002, the U.S. military set up a detention center to hold terrorist suspects after the September 11, 2001 attacks. The U.S. chose the location due to the fact that terrorist suspects held at the center would not be protected under the Geneva Convention since it was located outside of the U.S. The detention center has held up to 779 inmates, many of whom have described being subject to abuse and torture including waterboarding. President Obama’s plan to close the prison would send 30 to 60 prisoners to prisons in the U.S. and transfer the remaining prisoners to other countries. Proponents of closing the base argue that indefinitely holding prisoners in Guantanamo is unconstitutional since none of the prisoners have been tried and convicted in a court of law. Opponents argue that closing the base would put the U.S. at risk of another terrorist attack since prisoners would be transferred to prisons in the U.S. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, it is a waste of money and resources

Yes, provide a fair trial and transfer the convicted to maximum security prisons

Yes, and it is unconstitutional to indefinitely hold suspected terrorists without trial

No, most of the detainees are too dangerous to be released or transferred

No, but apply rules of the Geneva Convention and end the use of torture

No, and we should use all means necessary to combat terrorism

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Should the U.S. remain in NATO? Learn more?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty which was signed on April 4th, 1949. It is a political and military alliance of member countries from Europe and North America that agree to provide military and economic security for each other. NATO makes all of its decisions by consensus and every member country, no matter how large or small, has an equal say. See public opinion

Yes

No

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Should the U.S. conduct military strikes against North Korea in order to destroy their long-range missile and nuclear weapons capabilities? Learn more?

In January of 2016, North Korea announced that it detonated its first hydrogen bomb. CBS News reported that the U.S. intelligence community is skeptical that North Korea used a thermonuclear device. The blast was in single-digit kilotons, and a thermonuclear device is measured in megatons. North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, has been more ambitious than his father in the pursuit of long-range missiles and nuclear weapons, even in the face of warnings from China. Proponents of military strikes argue that North Korea crossed a line with its latest test and must be stopped at all costs. Opponents argue that North Korea repeatedly lies about its missile capabilities and that the we should let other countries in the region, such as China and South Korea, address this issue. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, we should let China address this issue

No, we must use every diplomatic option first

No, and I am not convinced that North Korea has or is capable of developing a long-range nuclear missile

Yes, we cannot risk the launch of a nuclear weapon

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Do you support President Obama’s move to lift the trade and travel embargo on Cuba? Learn more?

In December 2014 President Obama ordered the restoration of full democratic relations with Cuba. The order lifted a 54 year old trade embargo and eased restrictions on banking and American’s travel to the country. Proponents of relations with Cuba argue that U.S. influence through tourism and trade will promote capitalism and weaken its communist regime. Opponents argue that trade and diplomatic relations will only strengthen the communist regime’s grip on the Cuban government. See public opinion

Yes

No

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. provide military aid to Saudi Arabia during its conflict with Yemen? Learn more?

In March 2015, Yemeni President Abdu Rabbu Mansour Hadi was removed from office during a civil war with the Shiite Houthis movement. The Houthis were led by former President Ali Abdullah Saleh who was removed from power during the 2011 Arab Spring. Neighboring Sunni Saudi Arabia viewed President Hadi’s removal as a threat and responded by conducting airstrikes against the Houthi’s in Yemen. Saudi Arabia’s allies, including the U.S., U.K. and Egypt, suspected Iran was behind the Houthi uprising and responded by providing military aid to the Saudi armed forces. The United Nations declared the airstrikes a violation federal law after several hundred civilians were killed in the first month of the airstrikes . Proponents of the intervention, including Secretary of State John Kerry, claim that the Houthis are being supported by Iran and U.S. intervention is necessary to maintain the balance of power in the region. Critics argue that the U.S. should not be involved in a conflict which has killed hundreds of innocent civilians. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, this will prevent Iran from gaining too much power in the Middle East

No, we should stay out of conflicts that are not an immediate threat to our security

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Should the U.S. overthrow President Assad of Syria? Learn more?

The Syrian Civil war began in the spring of 2011 after nationwide protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad resulted in armed conflict. After rebels seized control of several major cities, ISIS forces moved in and took over control of many regions of northern Syria. The government of Assad responded by carrying out airstrikes resulting in over 70,000 civilian deaths. Proponents of overthrowing Assad argue that he is a brutal dictator who must be removed from power before he carries out any more atrocities on innocent Syrian civilians. Opponents of regime change, including President Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, argue that removing Assad will result in a power vacuum that will destabilize the Middle East. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but we should defeat ISIS first

Yes, but only if we join an international coalition

Yes, Assad is a brutal dictator and must be removed from power

No, this would allow ISIS to control Syria

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Should the U.S. prevent Russia from conducting airstrikes in Syria? Learn more?

In late September 2015, the Russian army conducted its first airstrikes in Syria and claimed they were intended to target ISIS positions within the country. U.S. military leaders and the Obama administration immediately warned that Russia is a close ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and that the Russians will eventually turn their airstrikes against Syrian rebels who were recently supported by the U.S. Opponents of any further intervention in Syria argue that U.S. efforts to train rebels have failed miserably and we should stay out any further conflict in the region. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and declare war on Russia

Yes, and establish a no-fly zone

No, we should let the Russians take out ISIS

No, we should not get involved

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Should the U.S. continue NSA surveillance of its allies? Learn more?

The cache of documents revealed by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden disclosed that the U.S. used surveillance methods to monitor the emails and phone calls of its closest foreign allies including Germany, France and Brazil. The revelations have severely damaged the U.S.'s relationship with these countries even though State Department officials have insisted that these surveillance programs have thwarted many terrorist threats worldwide. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and abolish the NSA

No, spying on our allies severely damages our reputation abroad

Yes, surveillance of all foreign countries is essential to tracking potential terrorist threats

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Should the U.S. provide military assistance to defend Ukraine from Russia? Learn more?

In March 2014, Russian soldiers entered Ukraine and took control of several strategic positions within the country. The following month the Ukrainian parliament declared that its territory was officially being occupied by Russia. The invasion was immediately condemned by the U.S. and other U.N. member states as a direct invasion of a sovereign country and an act of war. In response NATO countries began military exercises in the region including the addition of 600 U.S. ground troops in Poland. Opponents of military action argue that the conflict the U.S. should not get involved in regional conflicts that do not directly threaten the U.S. Proponents argue that Russian military aggression against Ukraine threatens the balance of power in the region and the U.S. military should directly aid Ukrainian forces to prevent the conflict from spreading to Europe. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, we should pursue diplomatic options instead

No, we should stay out of conflicts that do not directly threaten us

Yes, the Russian invasion of the Ukraine threatens the balance of power in the region

Yes, we should provide them weapons to defend themselves but not send our troops

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Should the U.S. defend other NATO countries that maintain low military defense budgets relative to their GDP? Learn more?

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an intergovernmental military alliance formed by 28 countries in 1949 after the Second World War. To join NATO each member country pledged to spend at least 2% of their GDP on military spending and defense and defend each other against threats from any non-member country. In a July 2016 interview with the New York Times Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump suggested that the United States would not defend NATO member countries who had failed to increase their military budgets to above 2% of Gross Domestic Product. The suggestion defies a pact made by NATO members when it was formed in WWII that they would defend each other against any attack by a non-member nation. France, Turkey, Germany, Canada, and Italy are countries that are currently spending less than 2% of their GDP on military defense. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and we should withdraw from NATO

No, we should not defend any NATO country that spends less than 2% of their GDP on military defense

Yes, and refusing to defend other NATO countries sets a dangerous precedent for the balance of global power

Where do you side on criminal issues?

Should police officers be required to wear body cameras? Learn more?

In the wake of the lethal shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri a petition has been launched to have the White House look into requiring all police officers in the country to wear body cameras. The petition has now exceeded 128,000 signatures, the Obama Administration said it will respond to petitions that exceed 100,000. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for patrol officers in high crime areas

Yes, this will protect the safety and rights of police officers and citizens

No, it should be a police department’s or officer’s choice to wear one

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should convicted felons have the right to vote? Learn more?

In April 2016, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe issued an executive order which restored voting rights to more than 200,000 convicted felons living in the state. The order overturned the state’s practice of felony disenfranchisement, which excludes people from voting who have been convicted of a criminal defense. The 14th amendment of the United States prohibits citizens from voting who have participated in a “rebellion, or other crime” but allows states to determine which crimes qualify for voter disenfranchisement. In the U.S. approximately 5.8 million people are ineligible to vote due to voter disenfranchisement and only two states, Maine and Vermont, have no restrictions on allowing felons to vote. Opponents of felon voting rights argue that a citizen forfeits their rights to vote when they are convicted of a felony. Proponents argue that the arcane law disenfranchises millions of Americans from participating in democracy and has an adverse affect on poor communities. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, every citizen deserves the right to vote

Yes, except for felons convicted of murder or violent crimes

Yes, but only after completing their sentences and parole/probation

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should prisons ban the use of solitary confinement for juveniles? Learn more?

In January 2016, President Obama issued a series of executive actions banning federal prisons from using solitary confinement to punish juveniles and prisoners who commit low level infractions. His orders also lowered the number of days an adult inmate could be subject to solitary confinement from 365 days to 60 days. A recent study found that prisoners who were subject to solitary confinement were 20-25% more likely to be repeat criminal offenders than prisoners who avoided it. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but it is currently being overused

No, it is necessary for violent criminals who are a danger to themselves and other inmates

Yes, and we should create more social programs to help prevent and rehabilitate criminals

Yes, it is severely psychologically damaging to young undeveloped minds

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Where do you side on immigration issues?

Should the U.S. build a wall along the southern border?

Yes

No

Yes, and Mexico should pay for it

Yes, but make it a high-tech surveillance barrier instead of a physical one

No, but increase our military presence along the southern border

No, and we should adopt an open border policy

No, this would be too costly and ineffective

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should illegal immigrants have access to government-subsidized healthcare? Learn more?

Illegal immigrants, as well as legal immigrants in the country less than five years, are not eligible for free healthcare through Medicaid. A 2007 study estimated that less than 1 percent of Medicaid spending went to healthcare for illegal immigrants. Proponents of subsidized healthcare for immigrants argue that increased access to basic preventive care will lower the demand for costly emergency care. Opponents argue that immigrants in the healthcare system run the risk of becoming "permanent patients," because they have no relatives, insurance or an established address where they can go once released. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, if they pay taxes

Yes, and grant them citizenship

Yes, but they should be deported after treatment

Yes, but only for life threatening emergencies or infectious diseases

No, but they should be allowed to purchase private healthcare

No, and the government should never subsidize healthcare

No, and we should deport all illegal immigrants

No, but their children should have access

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How important is this to you?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? Learn more?

At a December 7th campaign stop in South Carolina, Presidential candidate Donald Trump called for a “total and complete shutdown” of Muslims entering the country. The announcement sparked outrage from across the political spectrum with Republicans and Democrats both deeming it unconstitutional. Proponents argue that the government has little idea who is entering the U.S. through its current immigration system and that a temporary ban on Muslims is necessary after the terrorist attack in California. Opponents argue that the proposed ban is unconstitutional and racist towards Muslims. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, until terrorist attacks decrease

Yes, and ban all immigration until the government improves its screening process

No, banning immigrants based on their religion is unconstitutional

No, but we should ban immigrants from “high risk” countries

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should illegal immigrants be offered in-state tuition rates at public colleges within their residing state? Learn more?

Currently sixteen states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington) allow illegal immigrants to pay the same in-state tuition rates as other residents of the state. To qualify, students must have attended a school in the state for a certain number of years, have graduated high school in the state, have confirmed they are applying for legal citizenship. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, as long as they pay taxes

Yes, but deny eligibility for financial assistance and scholarships

Yes, and they should also be eligible for financial assistance and scholarships

No, they should pay the same rate as out-of-state students

No, and all illegal immigrants should be deported

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Should immigrants be required to learn English? Learn more?

The U.S. nationality law requires applicants to have a working knowledge of the English language in order achieve citizenship. In 1990 the government passed exceptions to this requirement for older applicants and those with mental or physical disabilities. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but the government should provide free language learning courses

Yes, and remove multilingual translations from government documents and services

No, but remove multilingual translations from government documents and services

No, we should embrace the diversity that immigrants add to our country

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How important is this to you?

Should children of illegal immigrants be granted legal citizenship? Learn more?

The 14th amendment of the U.S. constitution states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Opponents of birth right citizenship argue that the 14th amendment is not clear since it does not specifically state that babies born to parents who were in the United States unlawfully were automatically citizens. Proponents argue that overturning the 14th amendment would increase the number of undocumented immigrants with each child born here, cost the U.S. taxpayers billions, and reduce the tax base. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, if they were born here

Yes, and abolish all national borders

Yes, but it should not grant their parents citizenship

Yes, but only after performing 4 years of military service or graduating college

No, they must formally apply like every other new citizen

No, all illegal immigrants should be deported

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How important is this to you?

Should the U.S. increase restrictions on its current border security policy? Learn more?

Congress has passed at least four laws since 1986 authorizing increases in Border Patrol personnel. The number of border patrol agents on the southwest border has grown from 2,268 in 1980 to 21,730 in 2015. Border fencing has increased from 14 miles in 1990 to 651 miles today. Proponents argue that too many immigrants cross our border every year and anyone entering the U.S. from a foreign country should pass through customs and have a valid visa. Opponents of stronger border controls argue the majority of illegal entrants are Mexicans seeking temporary work and pose no threat to national security. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, just enforce the current border policy

No, and we should implement an open border policy

No, make it easier for immigrants to access temporary work visas

Yes, and allow border states to manage their own security policy

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding? Learn more?

A sanctuary city is a city that adopts local policies designed to not prosecute people solely for being an undocumented individual in the country in which they are currently living. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, and we should ban the use of sanctuary cities

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should local law enforcement be allowed to detain illegal immigrants for minor crimes and transfer them to federal immigration authorities? Learn more?

On October 7, 2013 California Governor Jerry Brown signed a state bill prohibiting law-enforcement officials from detaining an individual on the basis of a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold after that person becomes eligible for release, unless he or she has been charged with or convicted of certain crimes, including violent felonies. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, only if they are convicted of a violent crime

No, too many non-violent immigrants are being deported

Yes, all illegal immigrants should be turned over to federal authorities and deported

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should all citizens have to pass a citizenship test?

Yes

No

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should working illegal immigrants be given temporary amnesty? Learn more?

Amnesty is an act by passed by the federal government which grants immunity from immigration laws to undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. Various levels of criteria have been proposed for immigrants to be granted amnesty including proof of employment and willingness to pay taxes. See public opinion

Yes

No

No, but allow them to stay

No, remove them from the U.S.

No, fine companies that employ illegal immigrants

Yes, create a simple path to citizenship for immigrants with no criminal record

Yes, but only if they pay taxes

Add your own stance

How important is this to you?

Should the US increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? Learn more?

Skilled temporary work visas are usually given to foreign scientists, engineers, programmers, architects, executives, and other positions or fields where demand outpaces supply. Most businesses argue that hiring skilled foreign workers allows them to competitively fill positions which are in high demand. Opponents argue that skilled immigrants decrease middle class wages and job tenure. See public opinion

Increase

Decrease

I am satisfied with the current amount

Decrease, and the government should provide more incentives to prepare our citizens for these jobs

Decrease, companies are currently taking advantage of this program to decrease wages

Where do you side on science issues?

Should the federal government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? Learn more?

In January 2014, 102 measles cases linked to an outbreak at Disneyland were reported in 14 states. The outbreak alarmed the CDC, which declared the disease eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000. Many health officials have tied the outbreak to the rising number of unvaccinated children under the age of 12. Proponents of a mandate argue that vaccines are necessary in order to insure herd immunity against preventable diseases. Herd immunity protects people who are unable to get vaccines due to their age or health condition. Opponents of a mandate believe the government should not be able to decide which vaccines their children should receive. Some opponents also believe there is a link between vaccinations and autism and vaccinating their children will have destructive consequences on their early childhood development. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but only for deadly contagious diseases

Yes, but with exceptions for those whose religious beliefs forbid use of vaccines

Yes, they are essential to protecting other children who are too young to be vaccinated

No, but hold parents criminally liable for transferring deadly diseases to other children

Currently, GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) foods in the United States are not classified differently by the FDA and do not require labeling. Although no reports of ill effects from GMO foods have been documented, advocacy groups such as Greenpeace and the Organic Consumers Association argue that past studies cannot be trusted because they were sponsored by pro-GMO companies and do not measure the long-term effects on humans, the environment, and nature. Opponents argue that labeling adds an unfounded stigma over organic foods and that if a nutritional or allergenic difference were found, current FDA regulations would already require a label. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but I would prefer to ban GMOs

Yes, consumers have a right to know what is in their food

Yes, I trust the science of responsible food engineering but I don’t trust the motives of the food companies selling them

No, we have selectively bred crops for thousands of years and labeling just adds an unfounded stigma to the science

No, GMOs are the most promising solution to ending world hunger

Regardless, producers should not be allowed to patent foods

Add your own stance

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Do you support the use of nuclear energy? Learn more?

Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions that release energy to generate heat, which most frequently is then used in steam turbines to produce electricity in a nuclear power station. In the U.S. 100 nuclear reactors provide 20% of the country's energy. Proponents argue that nuclear energy is now safe and emits much less carbon emissions than coal plants. Opponents argue that recent nuclear disasters in Japan prove that nuclear power is far from safe. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, but with public subsidy

Yes, and nationalize the industry

Yes, as long as there is no public subsidy

Yes, temporarily while we increase investment into cleaner renewable alternatives

No, we should invest in cleaner alternatives such as wind, hydroelectric, thorium, and geothermal

Add your own stance

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Should the government fund space travel? Learn more?

In 2014 NASA received $17.6 Billion in funding from the U.S. government. This represented .5% of the of the $3.4 Trillion budget last year and 35% of total spending on academic scientific research in the United States. See public opinion

Yes

No

Yes, and drastically increase NASA’s current budget

No, the government should leave human space travel to private companies